Since the  internal crisis within the NLC peaked with the purported sack of then General Secretary, Comrade John Odah  which the NLC was forced to reverse  as a result of the ruling of the National Industrial Court (NIC) and subsequent internal discussion, which saw Comrade Odah properly’ retired, all manners of scheming have been going on as to who becomes the substantive general secretary of the NLC. This edition of Labour Vanguard gives an insight into what has been going on and the plan of the NLC leadership not to settle for the best.

By Funmi Komolafe

FOR over one year, the Nigeria Labour Congress has had no substantive general secretary, neither has it got a  particular  acting general secretary.

Just after the so-called sack of then general secretary, Comrade John Odah, on May 24, 2011, Comrade Owei Lakemfa, a senior assistant secretary was made to act. He barely acted for four months, before he was removed. Comrade Lakemfa has since moved over to the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) as secretary-general.

At that time, the only deputy general secretary that the NLC had was Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, who was then private secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole. Olaitan was murdered by yet to be identified killlers.

Those who have acted as general secretary include Comrade Chris Uyot, the longest serving senior assistant general secretary, Mr. Segun Rotimi, an accountant and head of finance and Emma Ugboaja, who joined the NLC about three years ago after a crisis that saw him out of an affiliate of the NLC — National Union of Footwear, Leather, Rubber and Mettalic l Products ( NUCFLAMPE).

Odah was reinstated February 1, 2013  and formally retired on April 30, 2013; about a year ago. The reinstatement  was the result of a suit filed by John Odah at the NIC which NLC lost. Both parties then agreed to some terms of settlement.

File photo : NLC’s protest on minimum wage.

So who becomes the next general secretary and how? 
For the records, the first general secretary of the NLC was Comrade Aliyu Dangiwa who was a staff of Ahmadu Bello University ( ABU), Zaria. He was succeeded by Dr. Lasisi Osunde, an economist and lecturer at the University of Lagos. At various times, Comrade Salisu Mohammed  and Comrade Morgan Anigho (now late) acted as general secretary.

About two weeks ago, the NLC issued “an internal advertisement“ which states “ Those who wish to apply for this post are expected to meet either of the following requirements:
1. A  suitable and qualified Deputy General Secretary of Congress who has shown manifest vocation for  the post and inspirational collective/ leadership attributes and team work.
2. A suitable officer of the rank of General Secretary of an affiliate union with proven vocation, skill and knowledge  with cognate  experience of not less than five years on the post provided s(he) has the required qualification  required for the post of Deputy General Secretary of Congress. This will also include commitment to appropriate social and political orientation consistent with the Labour Movement.
3. A Congress staff who has worked at the Congress for a minimum of ten years and has held or holds the rank of Senior Assistant General Secretary or its equivalent.”

In addition, the internal advert stated, “ They must meet the following conditions”.
1. A minimum academic qualification of first degree/ HND in any discipline.(additional qualification shall be an advantage)
2. A minimum age of 45 years.

It is noted that this is the first time that the appointment of the general secretary of the NLC is made public in a mere “ internal memo”.

Before John Odah was appointed, NLC made a public advertisement, which saw several people apply. The then secretary-general of the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB), a seasoned unionist and lawyer, Comrade Sola Iji applied and was short-listed.

Odah’s appointment was confirmed by the National Executive Council  (NEC), the highest decision making organ of the NLC in the absence of the Delegates Conference in Session during its meeting in Owerri, Imo state in 1999.

Competent people

An insider at the NLC told Labour Vanguard, “ You can see, the same NEC people want to exclude others. No one from the state council can apply, yet we have very competent people at that level”.

Our source added: “So it is easier for a younger person to be President of Nigeria or State Governor than to be president of the NLC. You can see clearly that the job is not for  the best candidate”.

The  advert also stated that only a general secretary of a union may apply.  Unionists who are more committed and more active than many arm-chair general secretaries are not qualified to seek appointment as the general secretary of NLC.

In a letter to all affiliates of the NLC dated March 24, NLC president , Abdulwaheed Ibrahim Omar wrote: “You may also recall that in order to  have in place as quickly as possible the best talents, the most competent persons with the most relevant experience for the job(s), it was the decision of the organs to restrict the search to the affiliate unions and the staff of Congress”. The organ that so directed is not stated.

In conclusion, NLC president , Omar wrote, “ In line with the Conditions of Service, process and procedure of the Congress governing the recruitment/ appointment of this caliber of staff, the recommendations  of the Establishment Committee  will be subject  to the scrutiny and approval of the relevant organs of the Congress”.
He added, “ I urge you to circulate this notice/ advertisement to your members.  Nothing but the best is good for the Congress”.

Can NLC really have the best when the choice has been limited? Your guess is as good as mine.